Protecting device for an access orifice to a tank

ABSTRACT

A protecting device for an access orifice to a fuel tank of an automotive vehicle with a heat engine, a driver&#39;&#39;s station and a power source, said device comprising a movable cover to be locked in closed position, an actuator for unlocking said cover and connected to said power source and manual means for remotecontrolling said actuator, located in the driver&#39;&#39;s station and inserted between said power source and said actuator to selectively operate the latter.

United States Patent 1191 1111 3,759,075 Lipschntz 1 Sept. 18, 1973 [54]PROTECTING DEVICE FOR AN ACCESS 1,862,257 6/1932 Danica 292/144 m E1,997,107 4/1935 Cu inan 70/162 x on C To A TANK 2,035,895 3/1936 Kelly70/159 UK [75] Inventor: Paul Lipschutz, Crmssy su Seme, 2,102,46412/1937 Hurd 70 162 x France 2,139,193 12/1938 Lamothe et al.... 292/144X 254 ,214 21951 W'l 70 6 [73] Assignee: Societe dExploitation desBrevets 2 8;]923 8 2 NEIMAN, NWmy-Sur-Seine, France 3,016,968 1/1962Lenz et a1. 70/256 x [22] Filed: July 13, 1971 [2]] Ap No; 162,080Primary Examiner-Albert G. Craig, Jr.

Attorney-Albert C. Nolte et a1.

[] Foreign Application Priority Data July 15, 1970 France 7025920 Mar.2, 1971 France 7107053 [57] ABSTRACT A protecting device for an accessorifice to a fuel tank [52] U.S. Cl 70/159, 70/162, 70/255, of anautomotive vehicle with a heat engine a driver's I 7,0/282, 200/6 200/89station and a power source, said device comprising a [51] Int. Cl. B651155/14, Br 25/00 movable cover to be locked in Closed position an actw[58] Field of Search 159, 160, 161, atm for unlocking Said cover andconnected to said power source and manual means for remote- 46; 292/144zoli'zooliz 44 controlling said actuator, located in the driver'sstation and inserted between said power source and said actua- [56]References C'ted tor to selectively operate the latter.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,793,418 2/1931 Schuhbauer et al. 70/159 X 14Claims, 15 Drawing Figures Patented Sept. 18, 1973 3,759,075

3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Patented Sept. 18, 1973 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Sept.18, 1973 3,759,075

3 Sheets-Sheet 5 fig-l2 105 fff f PROTECTING DEVICE FOR AN ACCESSORIFICE TO A TANK The present invention relates generally to aprotecting device for an access orifice to a storage tank or likecontainer. The stopper plugs such as for instance fuel tank filler capsof stationary or automotive vehicle heat engines are mostly providedwith a key-operated safety lock protectlng the contents and inparticular the fuel against any unauthorized taking thereof.

In the case of arrangements on board of automotive vehicles, theremovable key, that enables one to open or to close the cap, isspecifically designed to fit the lock of the cap.

As a general rule, the driver must leave his seat to open said cap tofill up or replenish the fuel.

Also the person responsible for keeping, taking care of or guarding astationary storage tank has to move to have access to the storage tank.

The present invention brings about a significant improvement in thelocking system for tank filler caps it enables one to remote-control forexample electromechanically or pneumatically the unlocking or locking ofthe fillercap fitting the storage tank. Thus without moving, the driverof an automotive vehicle orthe agent responsible for attending, keeping.or taking care of a stationary tank may enable the opening by thirdparties of the storage tank and to effect the closing thereof when thelatter is filled up or the normal taking of fuel has been achieved.

As to the automotivevehicle provided with a heat en'- gine with electricignition and starter, the for example electromechanical locking orunlocking of the cap may be controlled through the position of the keyin the at a remote location and inserted in the power transmission lineto selectively operate said actuator.

The invention which in particular is directed to a remote-controlledelectromechanical or pneumatic closing of the filler cap of for examplea fuel storage tank of an automotive vehicle will be better understoodand further objects, advantages, characterizing features and detailsthereof will appear more clearly as the following specification proceedswith reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings given by way ofexample only illustrating various forms of embodiment of the inventionand wherein FIG. 1 shows a view in axial section along a meridian planeof an electromechanically locked tank filler cap according to theinvention 1 FIG. 2a is a perspective view of an additional specialcut-off device enabling the driver to keep the filler cap locked whileleaving the key of the anti-theft device in the safety lock thereof;

FIG. 2b is a top view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 2a

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view showing the electrical "connectionsbetween the drivers station, the special the tank remains impossiblewhenthe accelerator pedal safety lock of the electromechanical anti-theft orantijoy ride device with which generally the car is fitted or by thepositions of the ignition switch not associated with an anti-theftapparatus, which switch may be actuated either by a key or by a controlknob.

The cost of such'a filler cap, which removes the need for an integratedsafety lock, may remain competitive in spite of the presence of theelectromechanical arrangement. The aforesaid and hereinafter mentionedadvantages enhance the superiority of the whole assembly.

It is. indeed possible to provide among the plurality of positions ofthe rotor member of the anti-joy ride device or the ignition switch, onesingle position for the rotor of the anti-theft device or switch whereinthe filler cap is unlocked, for example in the fACCESSO- RIES positionprovided by the manufacturer of the anti-theft devlce or any otherposition to be selected. Under such circumstances, all the otherpositions such as "STOP" and IGNITION leave the cap in a positive closedposition nobody may open the storage tank when the engine isrunning 'orwhen the vehicle is locked against motion by the anti-theft device oreven when such a device is left in the "GARAGE" or "PARKING" positionwhether or not the key remains in the safety lock.

Accordingly one main general object of the invention is to provide aprotecting device for an access orifice to a storage tank, said devicecomprising a movable cover adapted to be locked in the closed positionand characterized in that it comprises at least one actuator forcontrolling the unlocking of said cover, connected through atransmission line to a power source and manual means forremote-controlling said actuator, placed is not in the THROTTLE DOWNposition or raised position FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a specialapplication wherein the remote-controlled electromechanical closingdevice according to the invention is arranged on the access flap coveror door provided on some car bodies to give access to the conventionaltank filler cap FIG. 7 is a cross-section taken upon the line VII-VII ofFIG. 9 through an electromagnetically operated filler cap of simplerconstruction than that of the embodiment of FIG. 1

FIG. 8 is a detailed view seen in the direction of the arrow VIII ofFIG. 7, of the interlocking engagement of the filler cap in the closedposition, the hooked latch being assumed to be shown in section FIG. 9is a top view of the device of FIGS. 7 and 8 assuming the cover formingthe cap partially broken away FIG. '10 is a first electric circuitdiagram showing the connections with the drum or barrel type switch ofthe anti-theft device shown in a perspective view FIG. 11 is an axialcross-section through an access flap cover to the tank filler cap, towhich has been fitted an electro-magnetically operated locking device,sidewise and outside oiv the cup portion connecting the car body to thetank filler pipe FIG. 12 illustrates a second electric circuit diagramfor adapting the filler caps of'FIGS. 1 through 4 to the case where aspecial position to open the tankfiller cap is not provided on theswitch of the anti-theft device FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a device,of the kind shown on FIG. 2 but modified to replace electric power byvacuum as a prime mover for unlocking purposes and FIG. 14 shows thevacuum duct of the vacuum control means with integrated push-buttonvalve fitting the device of FIG. 13.

On FIG. 1 is shown at I the fuel tank filler pipe which receives acollar or ring 2 made from moulded or cast either metallic or syntheticplastic material, to be substituted for the conventional tank fillercap. Said collar 2 is held against movement by a screw 3 or any othersystem preventing it from being removed.

An electro-magnet solenoid coil or winding 4 is placed in a toroidalgroove of suitable shape provided in the collar 2. A ring of magneticmetal 6 guided in the collar 2 rests or seats on springs 5 distributedalong the periphery within cylindrical recesses this magnetic ring 6 isformed with an opening 32 adapted to be engaged by a finger 14 carriedby a latch or lock-bolt 12 which may slide within a suitable bearingmember of the cap 7. The latter, covering the collar 2, is pivotallyconnected about an axis or pin 8 whereby it may be opened vertically touncover the central opening of the ring 6. On the other hand, the latchor lock bolt 12 is operated by the eccentric member 13 which is rigidlyconnected to an outer control knob 10.

In a groove 7 of the cap or cover is fitted a sealing gasket or packing9 resting on the top rim or upper edge of the collar 2.

The electro-magnet 4 is electrically connected through a lead wire 31 tothe switch of the anti-theft device or of the ignition-start startcircuit 22-23-24 arranged under the steering wheel or on the dash-boardor instrument panel.

The spring 16 surrounding the rod provided integral with and inextension of the latch 12 causes the return of the locking catch, snugor stop-pin 14 to its closed position in registering relation to thehole 32 formed in the ring 6.

The operation of the device is as follows when the electric current, inview of the particular position imparted to the key of the anti-theftdevice or to the control knob of the ignition device, is allowed to flowthrough the winding 4 of the electro-magnet, the latter pulls the plate6 thereby disengaging or freeing the stop-pin 14 and enabling one, byturning the knob 10, to move the lock-bolt or latch 12 to an unlocked oropen position. The pull upon the ring 6 is exerted against the opposedforces of the springs 5. The cap may then be opened in the conventionalway.

After the filling operation of the tank has been completed, the key ofthe anti-theft device is moved back to the STOP" or IGNITION position,so that the pull exerted by the electro-magnet upon the plate 6 isdiscontinued and the springs 5 push the latter away for preparing sameto receive the stop-pin into the hole 32. the spring 16 pushing thelatch 12 back into the outermost extended locking position, whereby thecap is locked in the closed position.

Consequently, when the electric current is switched off in theelectro-magnet 4, the tank closure cap is locked again.

The use and operation of the device 17, 18 shown on FIGS. 2a, 2b and 3are understandable upon referring to these Figures. To both end platesof said device are connected the feed and return ends of the lead wire31. Between these two plates is insertable an electric connector plug ofsuitable shape for example of sawtoothed configuration such as shown at21 to provide or make contact therebetween. To prevent any unauthorizeduse of the device of FIG. I, it is merely necessary for the user,operator or driver to withdraw the connector plug 21 and to carry itaway with him like a key of special profile which may vary depending onthe car.

As to the device illustrated by FIG. 4, a simple switch 26 combined withthe accelerator pedal 27 effects breaking of the electric circuit whensaid pedal is in any position other than its highest one.

FIGS. 5 and 6 relate to a device with a combined latch andelectro-magnet 39 which device is derived from or designed as thatdescribed and shown with reference to FIG. I for a locking system havinga latch or lock-bolt 29 mounted on the stationary portion of the carbody in registering relation to a bolt-clasp forming a stricking box,lock-keeper or latch-catch 33 fitting the flap cover 28. In all thedevices described hereinabove, the solenoid coil or winding of theelectromagnet is connected through a lead wire 31 to the electric switchof the anti-theft device 22 and when the latter has been brought to aproper position by operation of the key thereof, to the positive pole orterminal of the storage battery or equivalent electric power source orgenerator.

On the other hand, the same coil has its other terminal connected to thevehicle framework acting as the earth or ground as in the case of mostof the automotive operating circuits. The electric circuit is thuscompleted at will through operation of the key and the position ofdisconnecting or isolating switches which may also be provided and whichare designated by the reference numerals 17 and 26 on FIGS. 3 and 4,respectively.

The alternative forms of embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 7 through 14offer the following advantages l. The operation controlling the openingof the closure cover is simplified;

2. In the case of a flap cover or door giving access to the tank fillercap, it is possible to provide a standardized locking device easilyadaptable to any case 3. A vacuum control system may be substituted forthe electromagnetic actuator.

It should be pointed out that in all the embodiments disclosed herein,the operation of the apparatus is structurally combined with that of ananti-joy ride device or a keyor knob-operated switch so that only thepossessor or owner of the key of the anti-joy ride device of thekey-operated switch is able to unlock the tank filler cap or access flapcover and this without leaving the drivers seat.

FIG. 7 shows the end 101 of the tiller pipe of a fuel tank (not shown)on which is secured a collar 103 made from east or moulded material,fastened to the pipe by one or several point screws 104 with a sealingring or like fluid-tight annular gasket or packing 102 being interposedtherebetween. The collar 103 is formed with a clevis or like fork-shapedmember 105 receiving a lug 107 integral with the cover, lid or cap 108which is thereby pivotally connected by means of a pivot pin 106extending through the clevis 105 and lug 107 and the ends of which areembedded, sunk or driven in flush into the clevis to render theminaccessible whereby the lid may not be broken open as in the case wherethe pivot axis is secured by riveting for example. A hair-pin shaped orshank-like spring 109 is mounted about the pivot axis or on the lug andbears on the collar 103 and on the cap 108, respectively, so

that its resilient reactIon acts in the proper direction for biasing thecap 103 to urge it to the opening position.

Said cap or lid is provided with a sealing gasket 111 which bearsadequately onto the inner sleeve portion 110 of the collar 103.

The cover 108 is provided as shown on FIG. 8 with a strip or the like123 which may be riveted or secured by screws 124 to the inside of thecover. The strip 123 is suitably cut round a curved outline to receivethe nose or like projecting catch portion 121 of a hook-like lever 120pivotally connected at 122 to swing about a pivot pin mounted at thebottom of the collar. The lever 120 is secured to a yoke-like armature116 made from magnetic material and the ends of which bear upon stopmembers 117 secured to the collar. The yoke and lever assembly 120 isurged outwards by a biasing resilient device such as a spring 118 whichis seated or accommodated within a recess or like housing formed on thearmature; the latter may consist of one or several parts.

In front of the ends of the yoke 116 are the poles of an U-shapedelectro-magnet 113 which is energized by windings 114 and 115 throughwhich flows an electric current upon actuation of the opening operatingsystem andwhich are mounted on the legs of the U-shaped electro-magnetthe central portion of which is held in a supporting bracket 112 formingin this instance a pair of bearings inside of and rigidly connected tothe collar 103. A simple and detachable arrangement secures the wholeassembly consisting of the electro-magnet 113 and of is coils 114 and115 within the collar so that this electro-magnet encompasses the innersleeve portion 110 thereby reducing the heiGht of the cap to its eastvalue (see FIG. 9).

FIG. 10 shows the electrical connections between the ground or earth Mformed by the framework, the coils of the filler cap B, the switch A ofthe anti-theft device and the positive pole or positive terminal of thestorage battery (not shown).

The connections with the switch of the anti-theft device are made withthe switch blade 125 already provided on this apparatus to be connectedto the positive pole and the switch blade 126 specially added foroperating the opening of the tank fiiler cap. A determined position ofthe key and of the switch rotor may be selected to cause the flow ofelectric current controlling the opening, for example the position Ebeyond the STOP position as shown on FIG. 10 or any other positiondifferent from the conventional positions.

As described, the device operates in an easily understandable manner asfollows The key of the anti-joy ride device being placed in the STOPposition, the vehicle engine is at rest in compliance with officialregulations for enabling the replenishment or filling up of the fueltank. When the key is turned beyond the STOP position, electric currentis allowed to flow through the windings 1 14 and 115 of theelectro-magnet 113, 114, 115 which is thus energized and exerts a puliupon the ends of the armature 116 thereby causing the associated lever120 to be moved back so that its nose 121 is disengaged from the strip123. The cover 108 is then only subjected to the elastic reaction of thespring 109 which opens the cover to give the fuel delivery nozzle accessto the tank. When closing the cover by hand upon cutting off theelectric current, the hooked lever 121 retracts through the pressureexerted thereon upon engagement of a slant top portion thereof with thestationary strip 123.

FIG. 12 illustrates the case wherein it is desired for any reason toassociate with the cover opening position provided for the key on theanti-theft device an additional opening control through a push-buttonoperated switch 127 which upon merely depressing the pushbutton thereofcauses the opening of the cover 108 it is indeed unnecessary and it maybe hazardous to let electric current constantly flow through the coils114 and 115 during the filling up operation while a mere current pulseis sufficient to unlock the cover. In such a case however, the openingof the cover remains dependent on the driver since to previouslycomplete the circuit loop leading from A to 127, he must turn the key tothe desired position and then depress the pushbutton 127. Nobody elsethan the possessor or owner of the key may cause the opening either forfilling up or for exceptional and sometimes unauthorized emptying of thefuel tank through suction.

Referring to FIG. 11 which shows the device adapted Y to a door or flapcover giving access to the normal filler cap of the tank, the flap cover128 is shown to be pivotally connected at 129 about a pivot pin 130fitting a suitable bracket welded to the car body 131. This flap cover128 is provided with a bolt-clasp 132 formed in a welded lug 133 securedto the inside of said flap cover. Moreover a spring-loaded abutmentmember 134 is mounted on a pin and subjected to the action of a spring135, its stroke being limited.

Under the action of the spring 135 and without any other retainingmeans, the flap cover 128 opens automatically. To cause the lockingthereof in the closed position, a lock-bolt or latch 136, the end ofwhich is cut slantwise of splayed to form a skew or bevelled tip,engages the bolt clasp 132 while being guided between two rolls 143under the action of a spring 138 accommodated within a recess of anelectro-magnet armature with a plunger core 137 integral with thelock-bolt 136. The plunger core 137 is subject against the force of thespring 138 to the magnetizing action of an electromagnet 133 the coil ofwhich is energized by an electric current caused to flow at the driverswill.

The electro-magnet is housed within a sheath or casing 140 the flange orseating portion of which may be secured by one or several mounting bolts142 to the wall of the cap 131 after having been suitably bored toenable such a fastening and the reciprocating passage of the lock-bolt136. It is thus seen that the assembly is easily adaptable to anyvehicle having a flap cover giving access to the fuel tank.

The electrical connections with the anti-theft device A and with thepush-button operated switch 127 of FIG. 12 are unchanged.

The operation of this device is substantially the same as that of theapparatus previously described the triggered flowv of electric currentthrough the electromagnet 139 causes the plunger core 137 to be pulledagainSt the force of the spring 138 and therefore the lock-bolt 136 tomove backwards or retract thereby disengaging the bolt-clasp 132 andenabling the opening of the flap cover 128 under the action of thespring 135.

The closing of the flap cover is obtained, the electric current beingswitched off, by a simple pressure exerted thereon and the lock-bolt 136due to its slantwise cut end retracts under the reaction of the upperedge of the boltclasp 132 and projects again under the action of thespring 138 when the flap cover 128 is kept closed thereby causing theflap cover to be locked.

FIGS. 13 and 14 relate to the case of a pneumatic system operatedthrough vacuum, with a filler cap of the same kind as that which hasbeen described hereinabove. These Figures show a flap cover 108 stillpivotally connected at 105 and 106 to a collar 103 adaptable to theupper filler pipe 101 of a fuel tank (not shown) and connected to a duct153 leading to the intake manifold of the engine or to any other vacuumsource of the vehicle.

This collar receives a ring 150 made from metal or plastics material andprovided with two inner and outer sealing rings 151, respectively, toachieve a good fluidtightness between said ring and the outer wall ofthe collar 103 and the inner wall 110 thereof. The ring 150 is subjectedto the combined actions of at least three spring-loaded abutmentassemblies 149 destributed over the periphery of the collar so as toresiliently cause a well balanced raising or upward motion of the ring150 which is however limited by the lengths of the guide pins or screwsfitting the assemblies 149.

The ring 150 the upper portion of which is reduced in thickness isformed in said portion with a hole forming a bolt-clasp 157. inregistering relationship therewith inside of the cover 108 and on asupport 144 integral therewith is located a locking member consisting ofa ball 145 loaded by a spring 146; a roller or the like may besubstituted for said ball. The inner wall of the collar 110 is formedwith an upright post or pillar 148 provided with an inner stationarynose with a slantwise cut top surface on which the ball 145 may rest inthe unlocked opened position and under which nose the ball 145 may bejammed provided it is maintained by the presence of the edge of thebolt-clasp 157.

The operation is the following when the cover is closed, the ball 145 isheld under the nose 148 and bears against the bolt-clasp 157 formed inthe ring 150. Once a vacuum is caused to be admitted in the annulardepression chamber accommodating the ring 150 and provided in the collar103, the ring 150 moves downwards against the force of the springs 149and releases or frees the ball which passes above the nose 148 when apull is exerted by hand on the cover for opening same so that the latteris thereby unlocked.

When use is made of a pneumatic depression transmitted through a duct153 to the depression chamber formed in the collar, a pushbuttonoperated valve 154 inserted into said duct is provided with a passageway155 normally raised in the closed position under the action of itsreturn spring and which when the pushbutton is depressed by the drivershand is moved to come on a level in flush relationship with the tubularpassage of the duct to establish a communication therebetween, wherebythe cover is unlocked or opened.

It is to be understood that the present invention should not beconstrued as being limited to the forms of embodiments disclosed hereinas many modifications and changes may be resorted to by those which areskilled in the art without departing from the gist and scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A protecting device for an access orifice to a tank, said orificecomprising a movable cover adapted to be locked in the locked position;

locking means for said cover at least one controller means forcontrolling the unlocking of said cover resilient return means forreturning said locking means into the locking position a power sourceconnected through a transmission line to said actuator manual means forremote controlling said controller provided at a distant location andinserted into said power transmission line a stationary structuresurrounding said access orifice to which said movable cover is pivotallyconnected to and wherein said controller is mounted,

said locking means comprising a movable lock-bolt and a bolt-claspadapted to cooperate with one another said controller holding saidlock-bolt in the locking position in its normal de-energized restposition,

wherein said controller is mounted in said stationary structuresurrounding completely said access orifice and comprises a movableelement surrounding at least partially said access orifice and beinglinearly moved in said stationary structure, in the direction of thelines of the field of force produced by said controller.

2. A device according to claim 1 with said controller means comprisingelectromagnet control means consisting of an electro-magnet with anenergized solenoid coil connected to said power transmission line tosaid power transmission source, and of a movable magnetic armature, saidsolenoid coil bding adapted to exert a pull upon said magnetic armaturewhen being energized.

3. A device according to claim 2 for an automotive vehicle powered by aheat engine with electric ignition and start circuits, fed by anelectric supply source and operated through an ignition and start switchand with an electromechanical anti-theft apparatus with a safety lockoperated by a removable key, said distant location for remotecontrolling said controller being the drivers station of said vehicle,the manual remote control means comprising an electric cut-out switchintegrated to said ignition and start switch, whereinsaid electriccut-out switch consists of a contactor integrated into said anti-theftapparatus and adapted to be closed in one specific angular position ofsaid key.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the key of said anti-theftapparatus is adapted to be moved successively to the STOP", PARKING",RUNNING", START and ACCESSORIES CONTROL" positions, respectively andwherein said specific angular position of said key is the ACCESSORIESCON- TROL position in which all the other electric circuits of theautomotive vehicles are cut off.

5. A device according to claim 3, for an automotive vehicle comprisingan accelerator pedal and wherein one additional cut-out switch comprisesmeans for interlocking the control of said switch with the relativeposition of said pedal, so that said switch is closed only in theinoperative rest position of said pedal.

6. A device according to claim 2, with a pivoting cover forming a flapcover pivotally connected to a stationary structure surrounding saidaccess orifice and subjected at least in the closed position to theaction of at least one biasing spring tending to open said flap cover,wherein said electro-magnet comprises a winding surrounding said accessorifice substantially coaxially and housed in a stationary supportsurrounding said orifice whereas said movable armature consists of anannular disk substantially parallel to said orifice and displaceable inaxial translation and the central opening of which is in registeringrelation to said orifice, said disk being mounted on said support andsubjected to the permanent action of at least one biasing spring urgingsaid disk to move away from said electro-magnet and said lock-bolt isslidably mounted transversely with its return spring in said flap coverso as to cooperate with an aforesaid bolt-clasp carried by said support,said lock-bolt comprising a transversaly projecting pin adapted toengage in the locking position of said lock-bolt a corresponding hole ofsaid disk in the rest position of the latter said flap cover comprisingmeans for manually operating said lock-bolt to move it to the unlockingposition.

7. A device according to claim 6, comprising a filler pipe the free endof which forms said access orifice and wherein said support is a collarmounted on said pipe end and to which is pivotally connected said flapcover forming a filler cap adapted to tightly fit said collar in itsclosed position whereas said bolt-clasp consists of a retaining abutmentintegral with said collar and formed with a nose adapted to be caughtand engaged by said lock-bolt said lock-bolt being formed with an activeslantwise cut guide surface for sliding engagement with said bolt-claspto assist said lock-bolt in snapping into said bolt-clasp upon manualclosing of said flap cover.

8. A device according to claim 6, wherein said means for manuallyoperating said lock-bolt consists of an eccentric finger integral withan outer rotary knob mounted on said cover and co-operating with saidlockbolt.

9. A device according to claim 2, with a swinging cover forming a flapcover pivotally connected to a stationary structure surrounding saidaccess orifice and subjected at least in the closed position to theaction of at least one biasing spring urging said flap cover to the openposition and wherein said electro-magnet comprises a stationary U-shapedarmature encompassing said orifice and both legs of which carry each onean energizing coil, said electro-magnet being accommodated in astationary support surrounding said access orifice whereas said movablearmature consists of a yoke-like strip transversely integral with saidlock-bolt, said lock-bolt consisting of a hooked lever forming aspring-loaded latch pivotally connected to said stationary support andadapted to co-operate with abolt-clasp consisting of a catch integralwith said flap cover.

it). A device according to claim 9, for a tank comprising a filler pipethe free end of which forms said access orifice and wherein said supportis a collar mounted on said pipe end and to which is pivotally connectedsaid flap cover forming a filler cap adapted to tightly fit said collarin the closed position thereof whereas the hook portion of said hookedlever comprises a nose formed with a slantwise cut outer guide surfacefor sliding engagement with said catch so as to promote automaticsnapping engagement of said lever with said catch upon manual closing ofsaid flap cover.

11. A device according to claim 1, wherein said con troller comprisesa'vacuum chamber communicating through a duct with a vacuum source andone wall of which is formed of said movable element slidably mounted insealing relationship within said chamber said remote-control meansconsisting of at least one manually operable cut-out valve inserted inseries in said duct.

12. A device according to claim lll, wherein said vacuum chamber is ofannular shape and provided in a stationary structure coaxiallysurrounding said access orifree and said movable element is aring-shaped disk the central opening of which substantially correspondsto said access orifice and which is formed with a hole forming a catchfor said lock-bolt, whereas said lockbolt consists of a spring-loadedrolling member adapted to be jammed between said hole and a retainingnoselike catch integral with said stationary structure in the closedposition of said cover, said catch comprising an outer sloping guidesurface for sliding engagement with said rolling member to assist thelatter in snapping into its operative locking position.

113. A device according to claim R2, for a tank provided with a fillerpipe the free end of which forms said access orifice and wherein saidstationary structure consists of a mouth-piece forming a collar fittedand secured onto said pipe end and to which is pivotally connected saidcover forming a flap cover adapted to tightly fit said collar in itsclosed position, said disk being urged towards said cover by a pluralityof springs mounted in said collar and the strokes of which are limitedby corresponding stop members associated therewith.

14. A device according to claim llll, wherein said valve is a slidevalve operable by a spring-loaded pushbutton resiliently urged towardsthe cut-off position.

t t t W

1. A protecting device for an access orifice to a tank, said orificecomprising : a movable cover adapted to be locked in the lockedposition; locking means for said cover ; at least one controller meansfor controlling the unlocking of said cover ; resilient return means forreturning said locking means into the locking position ; a power sourceconnected through a transmission line to said actuator ; manual meansfor remote controlling said controller provided at a distant locationand inserted into said power transmission line ; a stationary structuresurrounding said access orifice to which said movable cover is pivotallyconnected to and wherein said controller is mounted, said locking meanscomprising a movable lock-bolt and a boltclasp adapted to cooperate withone another ; said controller holding said lock-bolt in the lockingposition in its normal de-energized rest position, wherein saidcontroller is mounted in said stationary structure surroundingcompletely said access orifice and comprises a movable elementsurrounding at least partially said access orifice and being linearlymoved in said stationary structure, in the direction of the lines of thefield of force produced by said controller.
 2. A device according toclaim 1 with said controller means comprising electromagnet controlmeans consisting of an electro-magnet with an energized solenoid coilconnected to said power transmission line to said power transmissionsource, and of a movable magnetic armature, said solenoid coil bdingadapted to exert a pull upon said magnetic armature when beingenergized.
 3. A device according to claim 2 for an automotive vehiclepowered by a heat engine with electric ignition and start circuits, fedby an electric supply source and operated through an ignition and startswitch and with an electromechanical anti-theft apparatus with a safetylock operated by a removable key, said distant location for remotecontrolling said controller being the drivers station of said vehicle,the manual remote control means comprising an electric cut-out switchintegrated to said ignition and start switch, wherein said electriccut-out switch consists of a contactor integrated into said anti-theftapparatus and adapted to be closed in one specific angular position ofsaid key.
 4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the key of saidanti-theft apparatus is adapted to be moved successively to the''''STOP'''', ''''PARKING'''', ''''RUNNING'''', ''''START'''' and''''ACCESSORIES CONTROL'''' positions, respectively and wherein saidspecific angular position of said key is the ''''ACCESSORIES CONTROL''''position in which all the other electric circuits of the automotivevehicles are cut off.
 5. A device according to Claim 3, for anautomotive vehicle comprising an accelerator pedal and wherein oneadditional cut-out switch comprises means for interlocking the controlof said switch with the relative position of said pedal, so that saidswitch is closed only in the inoperative rest position of said pedal. 6.A device according to claim 2, with a pivoting cover forming a flapcover pivotally connected to a stationary structure surrounding saidaccess orifice and subjected at least in the closed position to theaction of at least one biasing spring tending to open said flap cover,wherein said electro-magnet comprises a winding surrounding said accessorifice substantially coaxially and housed in a stationary supportsurrounding said orifice whereas said movable armature consists of anannular disk substantially parallel to said orifice and displaceable inaxial translation and the central opening of which is in registeringrelation to said orifice, said disk being mounted on said support andsubjected to the permanent action of at least one biasing spring urgingsaid disk to move away from said electro-magnet ; and said lock-bolt isslidably mounted transversely with its return spring in said flap coverso as to co-operate with an aforesaid bolt-clasp carried by saidsupport, said lock-bolt comprising a transversaly projecting pin adaptedto engage in the locking position of said lock-bolt a corresponding holeof said disk in the rest position of the latter ; said flap covercomprising means for manually operating said lock-bolt to move it to theunlocking position.
 7. A device according to claim 6, comprising afiller pipe the free end of which forms said access orifice and whereinsaid support is a collar mounted on said pipe end and to which ispivotally connected said flap cover forming a filler cap adapted totightly fit said collar in its closed position whereas said bolt-claspconsists of a retaining abutment integral with said collar and formedwith a nose adapted to be caught and engaged by said lock-bolt ; saidlock-bolt being formed with an active slantwise cut guide surface forsliding engagement with said bolt-clasp to assist said lock-bolt insnapping into said bolt-clasp upon manual closing of said flap cover. 8.A device according to claim 6, wherein said means for manually operatingsaid lock-bolt consists of an eccentric finger integral with an outerrotary knob mounted on said cover and co-operating with said lock-bolt.9. A device according to claim 2, with a swinging cover forming a flapcover pivotally connected to a stationary structure surrounding saidaccess orifice and subjected at least in the closed position to theaction of at least one biasing spring urging said flap cover to the openposition and wherein said electro-magnet comprises a stationary U-shapedarmature encompassing said orifice and both legs of which carry each onean energizing coil, said electro-magnet being accommodated in astationary support surrounding said access orifice whereas said movablearmature consists of a yoke-like strip transversely integral with saidlock-bolt, said lock-bolt consisting of a hooked lever forming aspring-loaded latch pivotally connected to said stationary support andadapted to co-operate with a bolt-clasp consisting of a catch integralwith said flap cover.
 10. A device according to claim 9, for a tankcomprising a filler pipe the free end of which forms said access orificeand wherein said support is a collar mounted on said pipe end and towhich is pivotally connected said flap cover forming a filler capadapted to tightly fit said collar in the closed position thereofwhereas the hook portion of said hooked lever comprises a nose formedwith a slantwise cut outer guide surface for sliding engagement withsaid catch so as to promote automatic snapping engagement of said leverwith said catch upon manual closing of said flap cover.
 11. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said controller comprises a vacuum chambercommunicating through a Duct with a vacuum source and one wall of whichis formed of said movable element slidably mounted in sealingrelationship within said chamber ; said remote-control means consistingof at least one manually operable cut-out valve inserted in series insaid duct.
 12. A device according to claim 11, wherein said vacuumchamber is of annular shape and provided in a stationary structurecoaxially surrounding said access orifice and said movable element is aring-shaped disk the central opening of which substantially correspondsto said access orifice and which is formed with a hole forming a catchfor said lock-bolt, whereas said lock-bolt consists of a spring-loadedrolling member adapted to be jammed between said hole and a retainingnose-like catch integral with said stationary structure in the closedposition of said cover, said catch comprising an outer sloping guidesurface for sliding engagement with said rolling member to assist thelatter in snapping into its operative locking position.
 13. A deviceaccording to claim 12, for a tank provided with a filler pipe the freeend of which forms said access orifice and wherein said stationarystructure consists of a mouth-piece forming a collar fitted and securedonto said pipe end and to which is pivotally connected said coverforming a flap cover adapted to tightly fit said collar in its closedposition, said disk being urged towards said cover by a plurality ofsprings mounted in said collar and the strokes of which are limited bycorresponding stop members associated therewith.
 14. A device accordingto claim 11, wherein said valve is a slide valve operable by aspring-loaded push-button resiliently urged towards the cut-offposition.